Africa celebrates its finest at AFRIMA in Lagos.

The African Music Awards (AFRIMA) held on Saturday 27 December at the Grand Ballroom of the palatial Oriental Hotel, Lekki, Lagos. Hosted by the African Union Commission and organised by PRM Ltd, it is best described as a quality celebration of the best of the Africa's music community.

The event was themed to express an authentic African identity and the organisers delivered, from the majestic attire of the Egyptian and Benin Empire oriented ushers, to the formidable 16-man venue security, dressed in authentic Zulu warrior attire, unto the opening prayers in Ifa tradition by veteran Nigerian actor and cultural advocate, Peter Fatomiloye and topped off by the heralding of the iconic 11-foot Adagbe drums (of the Egun people of Nigeria and the Republic of Benin), it was obvious, this was not mere gimmickry. They were serious.

The symbolic theme of African Unity was furthered by the opening performance by Nigerian superstar 2face Idibia, who performed his hit song "Odi ya", acompanied by a Choreography troupe of 54 children, representing the 54 African states. 2face was one of the events hosts, the othr being the charming bi-lingual Togolese TV star, Marisse Akotie. 

There were also performances by Ghana's Wiyaala, Zimbabwe's Dear Zim, Uganda's Radio and Weasel and Nigeria's, Temi Dollface, Niyola, Bez, Oritsefemi and the little Master Davido. The awards proper was dominated by Nigerian artistes, with 13 in total. The biggest winner, being the inimitable Davido, with four and award presented by legendary promoter and AFRIMA'S UK adviser, and a good friend of Music in Africa, Rikki Stein. Other winners being Wiyaala and 2face. The AFRIMA legend award went to th elate legend Fela Anukulapo-Kuti which was presented by the African Union Commission's Head of Culture and Social Affairs, Angela Martins and received by Ms Yeni Anikulapo-Kuti, on behalf of the family.

This was truly a proud night for African music and we say to the organisers, onwards and upwards in 2015!